The Whole Story (or most of it, anyway)

Hello, Hello!! Oh my, there is so much to say. But you've all waited so patiently for my promised 'reveal' and so I'll get right to that, and save the rest for tomorrow. Go ahead and grab yourself some tea/wine (you choose), as this is destined to be a long, rambly, spewy sort of post. My apologies.

This has been a frequent scene in my life in the past six months. I've been spending far less time in my studio, and more time in my local library and favorite coffee shops. I've been spending less time with my Bernina love, and more time with my Mac love. Have you figured it out yet? Yes, my friends, I've been writing a book.

The story begins like this (you did know you were getting the whole story, right?): Last February, Steve and I were having one of those 'where are we going?' kind of life discussions. You know the ones. Dreams. Plans. Goals. And we hatched this idea of a project geared towards families wanting to live a more creative, connected life with their children. Like us, and all of you, and so many more people out there doing the best we can and wanting to do more. We made a plan and set aside some time for me to figure out where to go with this idea - another blog? a zine? newsletter? a book? And then amazingly, as life seems to do, just two days later I received an inquiry from an editor about a book project on creative family living, asking if I had any interest. Um, yes. Yes, yes, yes.

So the spring was spent working on a book proposal, getting an agent, and a contract with Shambhala Publications (a perfect fit for me if there ever was one). Then, the summer was spent writing, creating and photographing projects for the book, and writing some more (all in between many a trip to the beach. But you already knew that part). My deadline for the manuscript was, well, yesterday. Yesterday! This whole experience has been a huge long-time dream come true, and at the same time, surely one of the hardest things I've ever done. I've still got a bit of photography and editing ahead of me, but I'm really really relieved to have this big part done. A lot of things in our lives have had to slide to the back burner to make this happen, and I'm very very happy to return my attention there. And speaking of things that have had to 'slide', I must say now (and I'll say it again and again), as completely dorky as this sounds, this would never have happened without the help of sooo very many people. Helpful Friends. Loving Family. Patient and Forgiving Children. And most of all an amazing husband, partner and friend all rolled into one (seriously. he's kick-ass).

But I'm getting ahead of myself. You want to know about the book! The book! Which has yet to have a confirmed title (you'll be among the first to know), is about creative and inspired family living. It's full of over 50 projects, activities and ideas for leading a more full and creative life with our children. Not just 'another kids craft book', I hope it goes deeper - to emphasize the meaningful connections that happen when we create together as a family; and the importance of nurturing the creative spirits of our children and ourselves. There's a focus on nature and celebrating the seasons, resourceful living, and mindfulness as a parent, as well as creating beyond our homes and into our communities. There will be my full-color photography throughout the book, as well as illustrations by a wonderful Portland (Maine) artist, Betsy Thompson. The book will be published in January '08 (yes, '08, it's really not that far away).

To wrap this up, I want to say Thank You to YOU. This book partly came about because of this little blog, and so I have yet another reason to be grateful for it, and for you, for reading each and every day. I'll be glad to share here some of the more exciting steps towards the publication of the book.  But I also hope you know that nothing will really change around here - this blog isn't going to suddenly be about selling my book. It's just another piece of my life at the moment that I'm honored to now be able to share with you!

Comments

[mrspilkington]

seems inadequate but...congratulations! that is wonderful news.

[Chrissie Grace]

I can't believe I'm the first to comment, which means I'm one of the first people to read the exciting news. I can't wait to read the wisdom you will be sharing. I just published a book that was released two weeks ago, so I know how much time and love you must have put into your book.
Congratulations, and once again I will one of the first buyers!!

[tracy]

oh such congratulations! can't wait to see it in print. well done. all of you!!!

[Heather]

WOW!!!!!!!!!!! How exciting, I had know idea what your secret project was, now that I know, 2008 seems way to long to wait to get to see this book. I can not wait, I'm sure it will be amazing, if it is anything like this blog I know I'll LOVE it.

[Susanna]

How exciting!! I knew it would be something great like a book... I can't wait to read it. I'm not a mother yet but I teach preschool, and so this will be wonderful to read. Good luck and I'm happy for you!!

[grumperina]

Congratulations! You seem like the perfect person to write such a book!

[Barbara]

Amanda, I have just recently began reading your blog in the past few weeks, and I have LOVED what I've seen--in your philosophy with parenting, education, and of course, crafts! I look forward to reading more of your blogs, and as I start my family (I'm due any day now!) I will most certainly getting my hands on a copy of your book once it's avaliable!

Congrats!

-Barbara

[Audrey]

Amanda,
I found your blog a few months ago when google-ing a fix for my serger. Since then, I've officially become addicted (I had never intentially visited a blog prior to this experience). I have been visiting for precisely the reason behind your book - I am inspired by your creative family living, and it's been rubbing off of me (I hope and I think).
I'm thrilled for you - this is the first time I've felt compelled to comment. It is wonderful news, indeed.
Thank you for helping me be a better mother and creator of wonderful (?) things!

[Amanda]

AMAZING. Count me in for at least 5-10 of them! YEAHHHHHHHHOOOOOOO! I am over the moon thrilled for you!

[jean]

Hip hip hurrah to both you and Betsy. I can't wait to see it all, Amanda. It sounds quite heavenly.

[jean]

By the way, that photo has you sitting at our favorite place to eat cupcakes from Two Fat Cats. Yum. But we'll soon have to bundle up and bring blankets.

[laurie]

Such good news indeed -- how wonderful and exciting. Congratulations! xoxo

[suzy]

How exciting!!! That sounds like a great book, and you are incredibly well qualified to write it... I'm sure it will be fantastic. Congratulations :)

[Rebecca]

That is just fabulous. Fabulous. Now you should take some more time off to bask in your accomplishment. You know everyone who reads your blog will buy the book, right?

[Kate]

How cool is that?!?! I will surely buy your book!
Your family looks like it has alot of fun and I would love to read your ideas...Not to mention seeing more of your great photos!!
Kate

[Deva]

How wonderful, Amanda! Congratulations. As a long time lurker on your blog (I really should comment more), I look forward to having a copy of your book in my unschooling home. I get so much inspiration and, as weird as this may sound, so much comfort in hearing and learning about your approach to unschooling.

Congratulations again!

[Penny in VT]

YAHOOOOOOO!!!!! This is such good news! Congratulations and can't wait to read it!

[jillian]

That is just so brilliant Amanda, congratulations and jubilations! I read your blog most days and am constantly inspired by your craftiness, your parenting, your philosophies and thoughts (and SoulePapa's!) and for you to have poured some of that into a book is magic. I can't wait to read it.

[Meredith]

I'm thrilled to hear of your good news! Good for you! I'd love to get a "first edition" of your wonderful work. Way to go. And cheers to Soulepapa for being your right hand man!

[shanna]

so so so thrilled for you amanda {and fam} what a glorious experience! and i couldn't think of a better lady to do this. you're such a wonderful role model for those who wish to live richly and deliberately. three cheers to you! this is awesome! thanks for sharing the news.

[Molly]

Wow, Amanda! Congratulations a million times over! I found your site many months ago from mav of p2p, and I've been popping by ever since. My fiance and I won't be starting our family for a little while yet, but that won't stop me from snatching up a copy of your book...

[dad]

So proud of you Amanda!!!!! Slight tears in my eyes as I see your grandfather reading this with his ear to ear smile. Can Mom and I buy #1..please?

[Brandy]

Congratulations Amanda!

I am a long time reader and I greatly admire your parenting techniques (even though I'm not a mama yet) and your wonderful photos! Keep us all informed - hope to pick up the book in the other Portland in a little over a year :)

[anothter Amy]

eek! That's fantastic. I can't wait to get my hands on one!

[liz (aka proxykitten)]

Amanda,
I have no idea how I found your blog initially -- but I've also been hooked for a few months now! And, being a mainer myself, I LOVE to hear about other Maine ladies doing creative, amazing things with their time. My sincerest congratulations for your book deal, can't wait to read it!
Liz

[sadira]

Congratulations! I am excited for you, and for us too! My mom found your blog and I kept rolling my eyes every time she told me about your family...now I check everyday to be inspired by your connection with them! My mom also checks your blog every day for inspiration (she doesn't even do that with mine!) Thank you for your continuing creativity and sharing, it means more than you may ever know (and now we'll have a portable Soulemama!)

[Alicia A.]

Anxiously awaiting the book... Again, congrats, dear Amanda.

[martha]

It's incredible that you've found a way to integrate everything you love and your creative way of living with working and/or a career. Congratulations to you and your family. Can't wait to hear and see more of the book.

[Analicia]

Felicidades!!!! Smiles and more smiles for you and your family. A beautiful family and sure to be a beautiful book.

[Sara]

OMG - just the very book I've been looking for!!! Are you taking pre-orders yet?? Congratulations, Amanda. I can't imagine a better person to write about creative family living and nurturing than you. I know you've inspired me tremendously just in the time I've been reading your blog. Can't wait for the new book.

Best wishes!

[lisa]

holy shit, woman!!! congratulations!! what a labor of love. i cant WAIT to have a copy in my hands even though I don't have wee ones. you are so incredibly gifted and i am so proud to know you. you did it!!

[denise in c'ville, va]

BRAVA!!

[Jenna]

Wow, what wonderful news. Its truly inspiring....congratulations!

[Sarah]

What an exciting new venture. Congratulations, Amanda. I look forward to seeing the fruit of you authoring labor in a little over a year.

[nichola]

Roll on 2008! I'm looking forward to reading it.
Congratulations!

[Winnie]

Amanda,
I am so thrilled about your book! You and your family are amazing and inspiring. You are such a kind, warm, and gracious person. I've been reading your blog for a while now, and I live vicariously through your posts. I have a 3 year old daughter, and I barely have enough energy to keep up with her. I don't know how you have time to do it all!

I can't wait until it comes out... until then, I'll have your blog to read.

Cheers!!!!!!!

[Anna]

WOW!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[amanda]

HUGE, big, dear, heartfelt CONGRATULATIONS to you, Amanda! How wonderful for you to have the opportunity to live your dream AND to share your brilliant ideas, beautiful art, and kind philosophy with the world! And how lucky for us too! Can't wait to hear more as it all comes to fruition (including the title!). So happy for you!

[Jessica]

I am so glad you are back! Congrats on the book and I can't wait to here more about your crafts and adventures with your kids.

Jess

[van]

I, for one, am honored to have found your blog. It's inspiring and true to a life with kids, not all of is fun but it's up to US parents to keep it fun, relax and make the best for our kids. because of all the important things in life THEY are what matter most. Because we all have breakdowns and issues but it's so worth it to watch them grow. Using your own words "just let it go, let it all go". True that.
There are things far more important than a clean kitchen.
Soule Living. Keep it up.
xoxoo

[nicola]

I am so very excited for you and your family and also for all of us who will RUN out and buy the book when it becomes available! Congratulations on the new adventure - and I look forward to more inspiration as and when you have time to blog :)

[melissa]

congratulations, Amanda!
I can't wait to read your book. Thank you for everything you share with us through your blog, too. I can't think of a person better qualified to write a book about living creatively with our children.

[kerry]

oh yea! more amanda for me to be inspired by. i can't wait to BUY it!!

[Stacy]

Holy WOW! That's absolutely exciting. Your husband did an excellent job on your behalf by the way - (as you know...)

[Kristin]

Fantastic! I'll be looking for the book, I bet it'll be great!

[dawna]

wow, amanda, i would never have guessed it... a book! you must feel incredibly satisfied in having finished the manuscript. i look forward to hearing more and to eventually reading the book.

[Miranda]

I read a lot of blogs, but very rarely do I comment. I prefer to just lurk around and admire from afar. But I had to come out of the woodwork to say CONGRATULATIONS! And I CAN'T WAIT TO GET MY HANDS ON THAT BOOK!!

I think that you and your family are amazing, and I am super excited for you. Congratulations again!

[Michelle]

I'm sooooo stoked for you. I think of this blog world as one big group of friends working together on a huge creative project, so every success is one for the team. So cool!

[Carri Lambert]

How exciting!! I can't wait to read the book. Congratulations!

[andi]

Amanda! What awesome news! I can't wait to read it...do we really have to wait a whole year!? Seriously though, CONGRATULATIONS!